If you're driving around Kennewick—whether you're commuting along I-82, heading to the Columbia River for a weekend getaway, or exploring the local wine country—you need auto insurance that actually protects you. Here's the good news: Kennewick drivers typically pay less for car insurance than the national average. The catch? Washington's minimum requirements might leave you seriously exposed if something goes wrong.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about auto insurance in Kennewick, from state requirements to local driving risks, so you can make smart coverage decisions without overpaying.
Understanding Washington's At-Fault Insurance System
Washington operates under an at-fault insurance system. What does that mean for you? Simple: if you cause an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages. If someone else causes an accident, their insurance should pay for yours. This is different from no-fault states where your own insurance covers you regardless of who's responsible.
Washington requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10. Here's what those numbers actually mean in plain English: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for all injured parties, and $10,000 for property damage. If you cause an accident on I-182 and someone needs $40,000 in medical treatment, your minimum policy would only cover $25,000—leaving you personally liable for the remaining $15,000.
Washington also uses a pure comparative negligence system. This means even if you're partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages—they'll just be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you're found 30% at fault for an accident with $10,000 in damages, you can recover $7,000. This system is fairer than some states, but it also means insurance adjusters will fight hard to assign you a higher percentage of fault.
What Auto Insurance Actually Costs in Kennewick
Here's where Kennewick drivers catch a break. According to 2025 data, the average driver in Kennewick pays around $92.53 per month for auto insurance—significantly lower than the national average of $169.67 per month. That's nearly $1,000 in annual savings compared to drivers in other parts of the country.
If you're eligible for USAA (military members and families), you'll find the best rates in town—$24 per month for liability coverage and $62 per month for full coverage. For everyone else, companies like PEMCO, Grange, and Kemper offer competitive rates, typically between $32 and $86 per month for full coverage depending on your driving record and vehicle.
Your rates will jump if you have violations on your record. A speeding ticket can push your monthly premium from $162 to $197. A DUI will cost you significantly more—expect rates around $285 per month. Reckless driving violations carry similar penalties at around $280 monthly. The lesson? Keep your record clean, and shop around after any violation—different insurers weigh infractions differently.
Local Driving Risks You Need to Know About
Benton County recorded 3,482 car accidents in 2019, according to Washington State Department of Transportation data. While Kennewick is safer than major metropolitan areas, certain locations present higher risks. The intersection of Canal Drive and Edison Street has been identified as particularly dangerous—in just 3.5 hours on a Saturday, officers issued 33 distracted driving citations at that single location.
I-82 presents its own challenges. The stretch connecting the Tri-Cities to Yakima sees heavy traffic and frequent accidents, especially during winter weather and harvest season when agricultural vehicles share the road. If you're commuting on I-82 regularly, comprehensive and collision coverage become more important—not just liability minimums.
Here's the stat that should change how you think about coverage: nearly 17% of Washington drivers are uninsured. That's almost one in six drivers on the road. Washington ranks as the tenth state with the most uninsured drivers, and that number is increasing. This means there's a very real chance that if you're in an accident, the other driver won't have insurance to pay for your damages—even if they're completely at fault.
Coverage You Actually Need (Beyond the Minimums)
While Washington only requires 25/50/10 liability coverage, those limits won't cut it in a serious accident. A hospital stay can easily exceed $25,000 per person, and modern vehicles are expensive to repair or replace. Consider increasing your liability limits to at least 100/300/100 if your budget allows.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Washington, but given that 17% uninsured driver rate, it's essential. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. It also covers hit-and-run accidents where you can't identify the other driver. The cost? Only about $3 to $6 per month for coverage up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. That's a bargain for the protection it provides.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is optional in Washington, but insurance companies must offer at least $10,000 in coverage. PIP pays for your medical expenses regardless of who's at fault, which means you don't have to wait for the insurance companies to determine fault before getting treatment. If you have good health insurance, you might skip PIP. If you don't, it's worth considering.
Comprehensive and collision coverage aren't required by law, but if you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will require them. Collision covers damage to your car when you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive covers everything else—theft, vandalism, hail, hitting a deer on Highway 395. Given Kennewick's location near agricultural areas where wildlife crossings are common, comprehensive coverage makes sense even for paid-off vehicles.
How to Get the Right Coverage at the Best Price
Start by comparing quotes from at least three companies. Rates vary dramatically between insurers—sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year for identical coverage. Beyond the big national carriers, check regional companies like PEMCO and Grange that often offer competitive rates in Washington.
Ask about discounts. Most insurers offer multiple discount opportunities: bundling home and auto insurance, good student discounts for young drivers, defensive driving course discounts, low-mileage discounts if you work from home, and loyalty discounts for staying with the same company. These can add up to 20-30% savings on your premium.
Consider your deductible carefully. Choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $250 will lower your monthly premium, but make sure you have that $1,000 in savings if you need to file a claim. A higher deductible makes sense if you have an emergency fund; otherwise, stick with a lower deductible you can actually afford to pay.
Review your coverage annually. Your insurance needs change as your car ages, your financial situation improves, or your driving patterns shift. What made sense when you bought your policy might not make sense today. Set a reminder each year before your renewal to shop around and reassess your coverage limits. The few hours you invest could save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you're properly protected on Kennewick's roads.
